Increase energy and fight fatigue naturally

Increase energy and fight fatigue naturally

Men, women, teens and even children rely on and are addicted to stimulants such as sugar (which is eight times more addictive than cocaine), energy drinks (laced with sugar, artificial sweeteners, pesticides, contaminated water and toxic chemicals) and an excessive intake of caffeinated beverages in an attempt to boost energy. In reality, these all provide a false sense of energy.

by Paula Owens — 

Nearly 80 percent of Americans admit that they feel tired, exhausted, have low energy, fatigue and experience too much stress. Many mistakenly link it to getting older. Contrary to popular belief, low energy and fatigue are not inevitable consequences of getting older.

Men, women, teens and even children rely on and are addicted to stimulants such as sugar (which is eight times more addictive than cocaine), energy drinks (laced with sugar, artificial sweeteners, pesticides, contaminated water and toxic chemicals) and an excessive intake of caffeinated beverages in an attempt to boost energy. In reality, these all provide a false sense of energy.

Some high-school and college kids illegally abuse psycho-stimulating prescription ADD/ADHD drugs (Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine) to help them focus for longer periods, lose weight and stay awake to study and cram for exams. They do not understand the serious side effects of these drugs — sleeplessness, aggression, anxiety, depression, adrenal dysfunction, arrhythmias, hallucinations and hypertension.

Low energy and fatigue are symptoms that your body is out of balance and signs of deeper, underlying health problems.

Real food as medicine 

Stabilize blood sugar. Avoid skipping meals and long periods of time between meals. Choose real food, not carb-heavy, processed foods that leave you exhausted and feeling unsatiated.

Eat breakfast. Always include organic, grass-fed, free-range, pastured protein (whole eggs, wild fish, poultry, red meat, full-fat yogurt, clean protein powders). Amino acids in protein stabilize blood sugar, increase drive, alertness and activate feel-good neurotransmitters.

Avoid sugar, soda, gluten, wheat, grains and processed foods, which zap energy, increase inflammation (and your waist line), spike insulin, intensify cravings and deplete the adrenals.

Dehydration is one of the first signs of fatigue. Drink a minimum of half your weight in ounces of water. Add a pinch of Himalayan or unprocessed sea salt. Low sodium can cause fatigue, especially during hot weather and increased sweating.

Reduce caffeine and identify hidden food sensitivities. Eating inflammatory foods your body is sensitive to can trigger exhaustion and fatigue.

Lifestyle

Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. Sleep deprivation lowers immunity, increases cravings and belly fat and can cause fatigue, risk of depression, diabetes and dementia.

Nutrient deficiencies can take weeks or months to eventually present themselves. You will notice a huge shift in energy if you are supplementing with a particular nutrient you are deficient in.

Have functional lab tests done to rule out anemia, underlying viruses (Epstein-Barr, CMV, hepatitis), autoimmune disorders, infections (parasites, bacterial, fungi, mycotoxins, candida), IgG food sensitivities and toxic heavy metals. Also rule out malabsorption issues (gastritis, leaky gut, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, GI inflammation).

Address hormone imbalances, specifically adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroid and low testosterone.

Unplug electromagnetic stressors (smart phones, iPads, computers, TVs), which trigger fatigue, tiredness and disrupted sleep. Go outside and enjoy nature. Get vitamin D from the sun.

Put an end to multi-tasking, endless commitments and filling your life with noise, non-stop busyness and chaos that make the soul more distressed. Schedule less. Your adrenals will thank you.

Address emotional depression and psychological stressors that deplete energy and the adrenals. Beware of your thoughts and how you speak. Change “I am soooo tired” to “I am feeling energized.” Thoughts transmit an invisible energy that can affect your mental and physical well-being.

Be mindful of who and what you surround yourself with. If a certain activity or person drains your energy, eliminate that activity or person from your life. Meditation sustains energy. Aim for 10 minutes every day.

Consider alternative therapies — aromatherapy, chiropractic, Reiki, massage, reflexology, acupressure and acupuncture.

Exercise, sit less and stand more. Take a stretch break or a brisk walk. Bounce on a mini trampoline, do periodic posture checks, sun salutations, the 5-Tibetan rites, squats, pushups, lunges, jumping jacks or jump rope to get the blood circulating and energy flowing. Avoid excessive exercise, which exhausts the adrenals.

Practice breathing techniques (breath of fire, alternate nostril breathing) to revitalize and energize every cell in your body. Yoga, tai chi and qigong are great to promote internal energy, release blocked energy, and dissolve physical and emotional tension.

Instead of long, slow-distance, endurance-style cardio, opt for shorter, smarter workouts.

Supplements 

• Optimize vitamin D, magnesium and B-vitamin status. Consider B-vitamins, L-carnitine, CoQ10, amino acids, probiotics, alpha lipoic acid and adaptogens. Avoid adaptogens during pregnancy, breastfeeding or when taking any medications.

• Be aware of negative side effects from over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

• Be smart. Always seek the guidance of a functional health practitioner to determine an ideal protocol for your unique biochemistry.

Paula Owens, M.S., is the author of The Power of 4 and Fat Loss Revolution. She is a leading expert in nutrition, functional health, fitness and fat loss with more than 20 years of experience. paulaowens.com

Reprinted from the AzNetNews archives..